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City-North News story: Road crashes

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SCARED Albion business owners have called on Brisbane City Council to protect their shopfronts from wayward cars, warning that someone will be seriously injured or killed if guard rails are not erected.

Several businesses on Sandgate Road at Albion have had cars crash through their windows this year.

The latest incident saw two crashes in one weekend.

On Sunday September 5, the bay window of Loretta O’Sullivan’s physiotherapy practice Twelve9teen was struck by a wayward vehicle.

‘‘Every time it has been extremely lucky that someone hasn’t been hurt,’’ Ms O’Sullivan said.

Ms O’Sullivan, who said the problem had cost her financially and emotionally, has called on council to reduce the speed limit to 40km/h and erect a guard rail along the road.

‘‘It’s deceiving how sharp the corner is,’’ she said.

She said the first time her business was struck, in March, the car’s bonnet ended up under the reception desk.

RACQ spokesman Jim Kershaw said guard rails and a reduction in the speed limit would need to be considered and there should be warning signs about the curve in the road.

A police spokesman said officers from Hendra had met with local councillor David McLachlan and ‘‘discussed the causal factors’’ involved in the incidents.

“A number of options aimed at improving the safety of motorists, pedestrians and businesses along the stretch of road were discussed and these options will be taken to the Brisbane City Council for consideration,’’ the spokesperson said.

Cr McLachlan said the parking bays outside the shops are the biggest factor in the accidents and should be removed. He has written to business owners asking for their support, and is wait- ing for a response.

‘‘That would, according to the police, significantly reduce the risks associated with that location.’’

Cr McLachlan could not specify a time frame for a solution but hopes to see action ‘‘fairly quickly’’.

‘‘Within some months, I would assume,’’ he said.

He said guard rails would not be an option as long as the kerbside parking spots remained.

He also said reducing the speed limit was ‘‘up to the police’’ but speed didn’t seem to be a factor.